Today, as we observe the 30th anniversary of Earth Day
we can say that our efforts have been a success. America is now
enjoying both the longest economic expansion in history and the
cleanest environment in a generation. Since 1992, the American
economy has created nearly 21 million new jobs and grown at
the fastest rate in more than 30 years. We now have the lowest
unemployment rates in 30 years; the lowest poverty rates in 20
years; the lowest African American and Hispanic
unemployment rates on record, and the first back-to-back budget
surpluses in 42 years.

Meanwhile, as you heard the Attorney General describe,
more American families are breathing clean air and drinking
clean water, and we have preserved and restored millions of
acres of precious lands across our Nation. And, time and again,
we have stood firm against efforts to weaken our environmental
laws. One of the most compelling and recurring stories about
your work, that has always struck me, is how your dedication
has improved all of our lives, and especially the most vulnerable
among us, our children.

Children, as most of you know, are particularly susceptible
to hazards in our environment. This is both because of their
inquisitive play habits, such as putting foreign objects in their
mouths, and also because of their bodies' sensitivity during
early development. So when we talk about environmental
hazards, such as contaminated drinking water, improper
pesticide use, lead paint in our homes, and dirty air, it is our
children who are oftentimes at greatest risk.

Asthma and lead poisoning remain two of the greatest
health problems confronting our children. Asthma is the most
chronic disorder among America's children today, affecting
nearly 5 million children, and disproportionately affecting poor
and minority children. It is also one of the leading cause of
school absenteeism, accounting for over 10 million missed
school days per year. Reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor
air pollution improves a child's quality of life, unrestricted from
asthma attacks. The Environment Division has been, and
remains, vigilant to achieve the promise of the Clean Air Act -
that all Americans, regardless of race, income, or location, can
breathe clean and healthy air.

Lead poisoning is another environmental hazard that denies
almost a million children their full potential to be productive
adults. Lead poisoning that has been correlated to later behavior
problems, including attention deficit disorder and juvenile
delinquency. While we have made great strides in our struggle
against lead poisoning, we still have millions of homes and
many hazardous waste sites that contain lead and threaten our
children. We must renew our commitment to end this entirely-preventable disease. I urge all of you to stop by the table staffed
by the District of Columbia Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
table and pick up good information about simple steps to protect
your children from lead poisoning.

The Department of Justice is in many ways on the forefront
of efforts to protect our communities, and our at most risk
resource - our children. Enforcing and defending our Nation's
environment laws protects the air we breathe, makes our homes
safe from lead paint hazards, and eliminates toxic waste sites in
our neighborhoods. Your work protecting wetlands and
preserving open space provides a place for all of us, including
our children, to play, to enjoy nature, and to retreat from the
hectic pace of today's society.

So, despite the remaining challenges, today, on the 30th
anniversary of Earth Day, the Environment Division can look
back with pride on what you have accomplished on the behalf of
the American people. The strength of the laws you enforce
demonstrate that the American people are fully and firmly
committed to environmental progress, demanding strong
protections and wise gains. Moreover, they have consistently
made it clear that a healthy environment and a strong economy
go hand in hand. America is indeed well prepared of the
challenges that lie ahead. In many ways we are on the right
track, and so today we can confidently predict another 30 years
of substantial progress.